# 出言不逊

chū yán bù xùn

Speak rudely or disrespectfully

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Utter words without humility

**Traditional Chinese:** 出言不遜

**Register:** Critical · expressive

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe insulting or discourteous remarks.

Disagreement itself need not be disrespectful.

## Understanding the expression

The expression focuses on words that violate expected respect. A speaker may insult, mock, or use a contemptuous tone toward another person. It is common in descriptions of quarrels and reprimands. Respectful disagreement is different: a person can challenge authority or criticize a decision without abusive language. The phrase should identify the manner of speech rather than merely condemn a view because it is unwelcome to someone more powerful.

## Examples

他对服务员出言不逊。

### Traditional Chinese

他對服務員出言不遜。

tā duì fú wù yuán chū yán bù xùn 。

He spoke rudely to the server.

请别出言不逊，有话好好说。

### Traditional Chinese

請別出言不遜，有話好好說。

qǐng bié chū yán bù xùn ， yǒu huà hǎo hǎo shuō 。

Please do not be rude; speak calmly.

球员因出言不逊受到警告。

### Traditional Chinese

球員因出言不遜受到警告。

qiú yuán yīn chū yán bù xùn shòu dào jǐng gào 。

The player was warned for disrespectful remarks.

她没有出言不逊，只是提出异议。

### Traditional Chinese

她沒有出言不遜，只是提出異議。

tā méi yǒu chū yán bù xùn ， zhǐ shì tí chū yì yì 。

She was not rude; she merely raised an objection.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%87%BA%E8%A8%80%E4%B8%8D%E9%81%9C)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=857&webMd=1&la=0)

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